Forestry in the far East of Iceland

Age: 18+

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS volunteers will be working again on a project in the beautiful Hallormsstaðaskógur forest in the far East of Iceland, doing nature and environmental oriented tasks. SEEDS has been cooperating with the Icelandic forest service and our groups of volunteers have been helping out for few years with very good results for the participants, the projects and the Icelandic nature conservation and reforestation efforts.

The main tasks will be to maintain hiking paths, build stairs, make and put up signs. Volunteers will also put up benches and tables in the forest. Other tasks will be to trim branches and beautify groves that are located near hiking paths. Well maintained paths enable people to visit these amazing areas without damaging the area and this important work also helps to improve safety for visitors.

No previous experience is necessary but the work is demanding and requires a good physical condition.  As it is outdoors work, volunteers shall be ready to adapt and be flexible with the working and free-time schedule, as depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the tasks or activities planned.
Weather is unpredictable and it can be cold and/or rainy, be prepared to experience all kinds of weather. We recommend to bring good walking shoes/boots, warm and/or waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as most of the tasks and activities take place outside.

Last but not least volunteers can explore the surroundings of the location and enjoy free time activities arranged in cooperation with the our local project host.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS volunteers will sleep in beds in a house belonging to the Icelandic forest service. The house is fully equipped. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Volunteers will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food, drinks, music and recipes from your country for the international evening.

LOCATION: Hallormsstaðaskógur is the largest wooded area of the country that spreads over 740 ha of land. The reforestation of the forest has been going on since a law for the protection was passed in 1899. The oldest part of the woodland is accessible with good hiking trails and explanation signs. The area offers great variety of trails, such as to the deepest valley of the country and up to Sandfell where the view is quite magnificent.

Small streams run through the land where children and adults can cool down in warm summer days. The East Fjords is a region of a special landscape, dominated by long, narrow fjords and steep mountains and the wild reindeers of Iceland are found here, the herd counts between three and four thousand animals.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

TERMINAL & TRANSPORT: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).

SEEDS organises a “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík & back. Apart from being cheaper and convenient, it allows participants to meet and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting sites. 

The SEEDS minibus will travel one way along the Northern part of the country and the other along the South coast of Iceland. In this way we will travel the whole ring road and stop at magnificent natural sights, including waterfalls, glaciers, volcano craters, hot springs, iceberg lagoons, black sand beaches, etc. Meeting point at SEEDS office in Reykjavík at 7:00 am of September 1. Return to Reykjavík in the late evening of September 14.

The minibus to this camp will cost EUR 75 (Euros) one way or EUR 150 (Euros) both ways. This is about 30-40% cheaper than public transportation services.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 300 (Euros). Please note that the fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid for on arrival.  The participation fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavík to the camp and back but we estimate the costs about EUR 75 each way.
This work camp takes place in a very remote place, located in a natural area of extreme beauty. Outdoor free time activities, for instance hikes or walks in the surroundings, will be arranged for SEEDS volunteers.

Volunteers have to bring good working shoes and clothes, as autumn is coming, bring warm winter clothes as walking boots, a good sleeping bag and gloves. The project takes place outside and it can get very cold. Please bring warm under-layers, waterproofs. Free time activities in the area will be organised depending on weather.